How to Prevent Vision Loss by Eating Right

Eating right is a goal for most people because many people struggle with chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, and healthy eating can help a person combat these diseases. According to some research, eating right also helps prevent vision loss, the most common of which is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for persons over 60 years of age.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Visit an eye doctor and get a full eye exam including dilation in order to assess current eye health.
2. Decide to eat a better diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains. These plant foods are proven to be necessary for a healthy diet plan.
3. Compare the amount of each food group consumed compared to the food pyramid. Are natural plant foods low or below recommended levels? Make an appointment to see a nutritionist (see Resources below). Nutritionists will set-up a diet plan for a person's specific needs.
4. Increase or maintain vegetable intake, putting an emphasis on dark, leafy green and orange plants such as spinach, broccoli, green beans, corn and peaches. According to some research, these foods provide lutein and zeaxanthin chemicals found in the eye's macular pigment. In plants, these chemicals help protect the plants from light damage.
5. Eat a balanced diet without over-stressing to intake an above average amount of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc. Even though a mix of antioxidants and zinc supplements appears to prevent further loss of vision, consuming excessive amounts of these have not proven beneficial to prevent vision loss in those with no signs of AMD. However, eating right and having a well-rounded diet supplies the body with the proper nutrients for all body functions.